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Rivers Probes N3bn Failed School Contracts …State PDP Expresses Shock
The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation aimed at unraveling the circumstances surrounding the N3billion failed contracts awarded by the previous administration for the renovation of some secondary school buildings across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The contractors for the schools renovation were mobilised by the former Governor and now Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led government in 2015.
Announcing the jump-starting of the probe last Friday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Senior Secondary School Board Committee on the Implementation and Recovery of Looted Funds, listed the contractors, the local governments, communities, schools and the amounts released by the government for the execution of the contracts.
The committee also listed the contractors and the amount collected from government for the renovation of non-existent schools in the state.
It further directed the contractors to appear at the board’s Okija Street, D/Line office in Port Harcourt by 11am from Wednesday, June 29 to Wednesday, July 27, 2016, to explain why they collected the state government’s money without executing the contracts more than one year after.
Specifically, the committee directed Chimeagata & Services, G. Proof Global Nig Ltd, Nwaugah Jaccob Enterprises, Widereu Integrated Services Ltd, and Nyesemi Intergrated Services Ltd, which collectively collected N1,009,824,000.00 for non-existent schools in the state to appear on June 29 to give details of contracts, their status and any other further information the committee may require to justify the payment for the contracts.
The schools board committee also invited Mondo Progetti Ltd, Ella & Eghuan Ventures, D.P.&H Investment Nig Ltd, Piniebi& Imoh Nig Ltd, Zeus Global Interest Ltd, Chiread Ventures Nig, Building Concepts, Dapreach Nig Ltd, Neo-Brutini Ltd, and Brenton Wood &Trinity Ltd, which collected a cumulative sum of N337,000,000.00 for the renovation of Government Secondary School, Abua in Abua/Odual Local Government Area to meet with it on June 30, 2016, to furnish information on their contracts.
Also on June 30, Waby C. Nig Ltd, STE Office System Ltd, Benbross Global Resources, GAM 3G Ltd, Shadico Multi Services Ltd, and Wetland Works Ltd are to answer questions on the total N298million collected for the renovation of WACHS, Ahoada, in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
On the same day, Robel Global Services Ltd, Atisis Integrated Services, Hartward Enterprises Nig Ltd, Intesmag Network Services, Qantum Services Ltd, and Dorisdesmond Nig Ltd, would explain to the committee how a total sum of N118million given them to renovate GCSS, Ataba, in Andoni Local Government Area was expended without any work done on the school.
In the same vein, the committee directed Multisolid Construction Res Ltd, AB-Fabal Services Ltd, HBekel Global Services Ltd, Avomee Global Services Ltd, Mae International, XKlisive Image Line Services, and Goody’s Sunny Global Services to appear July 6 to explain what they did with a N242million collected to renovate GCSS, Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, Kursco Nig Ltd, Salamander Investment Ltd, ING International Ltd, Apo-Biz Venture Ltd, Arod Investment Company Ltd, and the Reach Integrated Services are to explain what they did with a totl sum of N98million they collected from government to renovate CSS, Obonoma in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area on July 6.
Also on the same day, Intersect system Ltd, Josiah Jacob Nig Ltd, Etelbi Nig Ltd, Nyeseni Integrated Services, Husbani Integrated Services Ltd, and Cosini Nig Ltd are to tell the committee where they spent a total N95million they collected to renovate CSS, Ido in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
The Tide further learnt that Harial Nig Ltd, Valine Nig Ltd, Fredat Investment Ltd, Omab Tech Services Ltd, Harold & Julius Investment Ltd and Bams Nig Ltd are to appear before the committee on July 7 to give details of how they expended a total N234million they collected to renovate CSS, Abalamabie in Bonny Local Government Are.
On the same day, Dear Maijaja & Co Ltd, Frimabo Nig Ltd, Sakim Nig Ltd, First Didi & Sons and BMS Nig Ltd will guests of the committee to explain how they spent N163million on GTC, Tombia in Degema Local Government Area that has not been renovated.
For GSS, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area, Alspace Contrat & Logistics Ltd, Movicks Services Ltd, Abhili Nig Ltd, Nyimejire Enterprises Nig Ltd, Bedomon Resources Nig Ltd, and Nemax Services Ltd are to explain on July 7, where N105.3million they collected to renovate the school went.
The Tide investigations revealed that 10 companies are to explain on July 13, where a total sum of N229million the collected to renovate GGS Umuola in Etche Local Government Area disappeared to.
Also six companies are to appear on July 13 to account for N189million they collected from government to renovate CHS, Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area while eight other companies, will on the same day, give account of N245million they collected to renovate CSS, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, six companies are to account for N225million they took to renovate GSS, Omerelu on July 14 while nine others are to explain how they spent N253million given to them to renovate BMGS, Bori in Khana Local Government Area.
Five companies are to account for N80.1million given them to renovate CSS, Rumuokurushi in Obio/Akpor while another five firms will explain what they did with N81million they took to renovate GCSS, Opobo, CHS, Nkoro and CSS, Opobo in Opobo/Nkoro.
Also, five firms apiece are to account for N72million and N67million they were given to renovate GSS, Ogu and NSS, Okrika in Ogu/Bolo and Okrika LGA, respectively.
Furthermore, Six firms that took N141million for CSS, Amaji in Omuma LGA, and Seven others that took N224million to renovate GGSS, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA are to account for same on July 21.
For GSS, Oyibo, LGA, six firms are to account for N243million while in 12 others are to explain what happened to N495.5million they took to renovate EHS, Borikiri and GGSS, Oromenike in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Nine companies are to explain how they expended N225million the collected to renovate GSS, Kpite in Tai LGA on July 27, 2016.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as shocking and wicked the many cases of uncovered diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation of dilapidated public schools in the state under the administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Chairman of the state PDP, Bro Felix Obuah, made this observation while reacting to the published list of persons invited by the state Senior Secondary Schools Board for explanations over monies received from the immediate past administration but not used for the projects so awarded and some, collected without project sites.
The state PDP chairman explained that it was more worried that a government that made so much noise about giving the best education the Rivers children could condone such recklessness, and allowed monies earmarked to renovate the schools and provide the right atmosphere for studying frittered away with careless abandon.
While enjoining the state government not to limit its searchlight on the mess in the education sector, Obuah said this is the kind of fraud the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be going after with a view to recovering the loots and bringing to book the culprits.
The state PDP chairman, however, regretted that rather than spread its dragnet for such fraudsters to sanitize the society, the anti-graft agency was busy haunting opponents of the All Progressives Congress (APC), innocent citizens, most of whom have spent the better part of their lives in service to the country.
Notwithstanding the collaboration between those responsible for the parlous state of public schools and the general looting of Rivers State treasury and the anti-corruption agents, the Rivers State Government should not leave any stone unturned in exposing illegalities discovered anywhere in the state under the administration of Amaechi and those behind them no matter the social status of their perpetrators, Obuah urged.
He, therefore, urged all those implicated in the ghost contracts and looting in Rivers State to do the needful, by being ready and willing to refund the stolen funds and save the state further waste of scarce resources on litigations.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) said over 17 million Nigerians travelled out between 2023 and 2024.
This is as the association announced that it would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from 27th to 30th August, 2025.
Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, disclosed this during a news briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ehiogie explained that the event aims to bring together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the South-South and South-East, tagged Eastern Zone.
He stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travel and tours.
According to him, “Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023”.
Ehiogie further said the potential of tourism and travel would bring in over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, saying it would be a major spike in the sector, as 2024 recorded about $4 million.
“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million.
“In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled out of the country two years ago for different purposes. This included, health, religious purposes, visit, education and others,” Ehiogie said.
While highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s tourism, he said the hospitality industry in Nigeria has come of age, saying it is now second to none.
The Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone further said, “We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.”
He said the country has a lot of tourism potential, especially as the government is now showing interest in and supporting the sector.
Ehiogie emphasized that NANTA has been working to support the industry with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products.
He added, “We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.”
Also speaking, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTA, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, called for more support from the industry.
Isokariari stated, “We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.”